This is why it's stifling to have to work on books where the editor is the actual creator, and that are tied into DC's macro-continuity.
And why having to coordinate such continuity destroys decent books. It certainly doesn't tend to make for good literature. But DC proper now is aspiring to nothing more than protecting trademarks that are so important for cartoons and toys. I miss when Vertigo was a truly active force at DC. God, that was such a long time ago...